Bel-Art Frigimat Cub Dry Ice Maker

Attach to a liquid CO2 cylinder equipped with a dip tube to produce a ready-to-use 250 to 350 gram block of dry ice in only a few minutes; each 50lb. cylinder makes from 10-16 blocks of dry ice

Dry ice production can be viewed through the transparent polycarbonate body that secures without clamps, screws or tools ensuring easy removal of the solid block of dry ice and disconnection from the CO2 cylinder

Lightweight body is never as cold as the dry ice, even when filled; allows safe transport of the unit and contents when wearing appropriate gloves

Rugged nickel-plated "pigtail" connects it to the CO2 cylinder valve which is used to regulate gas flow

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Product Description

The Bel-Art Frigimat Cub portable dry ice maker, model number 388740000 by Scienceware, is an on-demand unit, and has a transparent polycarbonate body to view ice production. Dry ice is used to keep a substance or object cool for food handling and shipping, science, and medical applications, and is used to create a fog-type of atmosphere in the entertainment industry.

This unit is lightweight and compact, for ease of setup and transportation. Even when filled, the unit is not as cold as the dry ice. Use of cryogenic gloves for protection (sold separately) allows for safe transport of the ice maker. A nickel-plated pigtail connects the ice maker to the CO2 cylinder valve to regulate gas flow. It operates at very low pressure, which is displayed on the built-in dial gauge, and the unit incorporates multiple pressure relief safeguards. Within three to five minutes, this dry ice maker can produce one ready-to-use 250 to 350 gram block of dry ice. A 50-lb. cylinder of liquid carbon dioxide [(LCO2) sold separately, locally] equipped with a dip tube can make from ten to sixteen blocks of dry ice. The dry ice maker body secures without the use of clamps, screws, or tools for ease of solid block dry ice removal and disconnection from the LCO2 cylinder.

The unit includes a 1.8-meter (6-foot), nickel-plated copper connecting tube with standard CGA 320 thread coupling for attachment to a LCO2 cylinder. It is a U.S. model (unmarked nut) for direct connection to an LCO2 tank. Threads on the LCO2 tank (supplied by tank manufacturer) must match the U.S. model. The ice maker’s dimensions are 7.625 (l) x 6.5 (h) x 5.65 (w) inches, and it weighs 3.8 lbs., with valve attachment. Dry ice temperature is -109.3 degrees F (-78.5 degrees C).

Dry ice, the solid form of carbon dioxide (CO2), is commonly used as a cooling agent when temperatures lower than conventional ice are desired, and liquid melt-water is not desired. Dry ice is made by compressing and cooling the gas form of CO2 until it liquefies. With expansion, the liquid changes into a solid state, and is then hydraulically compressed into dry ice blocks, pellets, or slices. Rather than melting, dry ice sublimates, turning back into gas, as the temperature rises. Under specific conditions, dry ice can create a fog-like effect. It is much heavier than frozen H2O, and can be handled using insulated cryogenic gloves for thermal protection. Dry ice is used in laboratory and field applications in the fire-fighting, food handling and shipping, medical, science, education, industrial cleaning, and entertainment industries.

Since 1946, Bel-Art has been manufacturing and distributing scientific equipment such as lab ware, dry ice makers, desiccators, glassware, testing equipment, and safety supplies for the scientific and medical industries. With worldwide distribution, and facilities located in New Jersey, Maryland and Missouri, most Bel-Art products are manufactured in the USA. Bel-Art is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Presidential “E” Award by the US Department of Commerce for excellence in export sales.

From the Manufacturer

Frigimat Dry Ice Makers

Frigimat Cub - Dry Ice Maker

This compact device saves the time and expense of receiving a dry ice delivery. Set-up and use is safe and simple. Can be attached to a liquid CO2 cylinder equipped with a dip tube to produce a ready-to-use 250 to 350 gram block of dry ice in only a few minutes. Each 50lb. cylinder makes from 10-16 blocks of dry ice. Dry ice production can be viewed through the transparent polycarbonate body that secures without clamps, screws or tools ensuring easy removal of the solid block of dry ice and disconnection from the CO2 cylinder. The lightweight body is never as cold as the dry ice, even when filled, allowing safe transport of the unit and contents when wearing appropriate gloves. A rugged nickel-plated 'pigtail' connects it to the CO2 cylinder valve which is used to regulate gas flow. Operates at very low pressure (displayed on the built-in dial gauge) and incorporates multiple pressure relief safeguards. Includes a 1.8m (6 feet) nickel-plated copper connecting tube with standard CGA 320 thread coupling for easy attachment to a LCO2 cylinder. Dimensions: 14.4 x 19.4 x 16.5cm (5⅝ x 7⅝ x 6½ inches) with valve attached.

Frigimat Junior Dry Ice Maker

Dry ice flakes are useful for packing around irregularly shaped items and are easily produced as needed with the Frigimat Junior Dry Ice Maker, F38886-0000, F38886-0002, F38886-0003. A brass nozzle screws onto any liquid LCO2 cylinder equipped with a dip tube. When the cylinder valve is opened about ¾ turn, LCO2 expands into the bag to create dry ice snow. The valve is then closed and the bag is ready to be removed and emptied. Makes .77kg (1.7lb) of flakes per bag. The unit cone measures 13cmL (5 inch) x 5.1cm diameter (2 inch) at end. The bag is 15 watt x 30cmL (6 x 12 inches).

Frigimat Dry Ice Maker

This ice maker, H38878-0010, H38878-0012, or H38878-0013 eliminates the need to buy large quantities of dry ice when only a little is needed. It employs the Joule- Thomson effect to produce a solid 454gm (16 oz) block of dry ice in one to two minutes, and the block can be removed in just 30 seconds. A brass relief valve safely vents excess gas. Each 50lb. cylinder of liquid CO2 with a dip tube will make 8 or 9 blocks of dry ice, each measuring 8.5cm (3⅜ inch) x 11cm (4⅜ inch) long. Made of epoxy-coated steel with an aluminum ice chamber and brass valves with four non-skid rubber feet. Includes a 1.8m (6 feet) nickel plated copper connecting tube with standard CGA 320 (0.830 inch-14) thread couplings for easy attachment to an LCO2 cylinder. Dimensions: 30 x 17 x 13cmH (12 x 6½ x 5 inches).

Economy Frigimat Dry Ice Maker

This economy unit, H38876-0000, H38876-0002, or H38876-0003 produces a solid 454gm (16oz) block of dry ice in one to two minutes. Each 50lb. cylinder of liquid CO2 with a dip tube will make 8 or 9 blocks of dry ice measuring 9.2 x 10.4cmL (3⅝ x 4 inches). The polyethylene ice chamber is held in place by a metal clamping mechanism, and a porous polyethylene diffusion plate vents excess gas. Also features a built-in gas pressure gauge and relief valve. The epoxy-coated steel frame has four non-skid rubber feet to prevent sliding. Includes a 1.8m (6 feet) nickel plated copper connecting tube with standard CGA 320 (0.830 inch-14) thread couplings for easy attachment to a LCO2 cylinder. Overall dimensions are 37 x 14 x 15cmH (14¾ x 5½ x 6 inches).

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

Update May 2013: We have had no further problems with the dry ice maker or the pressure monitor. Update December 2012: I wanted to create an addendum to my previous comments. After posting this review, I was contacted by a Bel-Art representative who addressed all my concerns and replaced the machine within a week. I appreciate the time and effort that this thoughtful rep. took to satisfy a customer. November 2012: This was ordered to be used in programs with children. The dry ice maker worked fairly well the 5 times it was used over a 2 week period. After that, the gauge suddenly stopped working. I called Bel-Art customer service and was first told that this piece doesn't break. When I continued the conversation, I was promised a replacement part. It never arrived. When I called to find out why it hadn't arrived, I was told that the gauge failure was our fault, and we wouldn't get a replacement part. Now, I have a $340 piece of plastic. It was a nifty little gadget while it lasted, but it's certainly not worth the price or the hassle!

The instructions say to connect the pig tail to the co2 cylinder. But the high pressure directly out of the co2 cylinder will blow the frigimat cub dry ice maker out of the water. The pig tail should be connected to the low pressure side of a pressure reducing gauge that is first attached to the co2 cylinder.

I have used other dry ice makers in the past, and I think that this unit is ok for the price, but not great. The plastic seems fragile, especially at very cold temperatures. It takes about five minutes to fill, and seems to use more CO2 than the classic wooden boxes. The blocks typically come out in 2 pieces and are not as solid as I expected. But, all in all, it does the job we require of it... keeping small samples frozen during overnight shipping.